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I can only echo those sentiments.
Tommy's father, Johnny Graham, was an excellent drummer and very much an extrovert. Tommy inherited the former if not the latter trait.
As Gordon says, he was a lovely gentle man.
On the jazz scene he was part of, among others, the Maine Street Jazzmen, played with the Vieux Carré Jazzmen and, latterly, with Classic Swing and the River City. His solo on Caravan invariably brought the house down.
Over the years he was part of an organ and drum duo with Tommy Moran and they held down residencies at various night clubs and CIU clubs throughout the region.
He was totally unflappable. I recall an occasion at Rosie's in South Shields where the Maine Street Jazzmen had a weekly residency and I mentioned that Eric Delaney had just walked in. Didn't phase him at all. I suspect the reaction would have be the same if Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson had joined the party!
Funeral arrangements will be posted when known.
Very sadly missed. Lance
7 comments :
I knew Tommy from his work with Classic Swing at Cullercoats Crescent club…he was always full of fun and I will remember him every time I hear Caravan…lovely man…
Apart from his drumming skills, he was a really likeable person. RIP Tommy
Such sad news. I worked with Tommy for a great number of years with the Tommy Moran Quartet. Always smiling and a great sense of humour. He will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. Condolences to his family. R.I.P. my friend xxx
Tommy would always nod and say 'hello'. A genuinely nice man.
Tommy was a lovely guy and a fine drummer, he had a who wonderful sense of humour and was always a pleasure to work with. He will be missed. RIP Tommy.
Another fine musician leaves us. Worked with Tommy on a few gigs....powerful drummer and really nice guy.....'bye Tommy.....R.I.P.
Tommy Graham was not just a great friend to me, he was also like the brother I never had!
Not only was he a great drummer who I worked with for 50 years, but he was a lovely guy, and was regarded as part of the family by our family members.
We are absolutely devastated at his loss, as we all loved him very much, and will miss him terribly.
RIP Tommy, my friend.
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